The Hidden Cost of Prior Authorizations—and How to Get That Time Back

If you're a healthcare provider or private practice manager, chances are you've lost valuable time chasing down a prior authorization. You’re not alone. Prior authorizations (PAs) were designed to control healthcare costs—but somewhere along the way, they started controlling us instead.

At Advanced Healthcare Revenue (AHR), we’ve seen firsthand how PAs disrupt patient care, staff productivity, and overall revenue. Let’s break down why it’s such a common issue, what it’s costing your practice, and how outsourcing this one task can free up hours of your time every week.

Why Prior Authorizations Cause So Many Delays

Prior authorizations are supposed to ensure treatments are medically necessary, but the process is often anything but efficient. From inconsistent payer requirements and outdated submission methods to lack of transparency, it's no wonder so many practices experience:

  • Long phone holds and fax delays

  • Denied authorizations due to technical errors

  • Missed appointments or delayed care

  • Burned-out staff juggling clinical and admin tasks

It’s not just frustrating—it’s expensive.

The True Cost of Doing It In-House

Let’s talk numbers. According to the AMA, physicians and their staff spend over 13 hours per week on average managing prior authorizations. That’s almost two full workdays—just for paperwork.

Even more concerning? Errors in the PA process often lead to:

  • Claim denials

  • Payment delays

  • Lost revenue

  • Decreased patient satisfaction and retention

These delays create bottlenecks in the revenue cycle and strain your team’s ability to focus on what really matters—delivering quality care.

How AHR Solves This for You

At AHR, we take the burden of prior authorizations completely off your shoulders.

Here’s what you get when you partner with us:

  • Fast, accurate PA submissions customized to each payer’s guidelines

  • Dedicated team to handle all follow-ups, re-submissions, and appeals

  • Real-time updates so you always know the status of every request

  • Reduced denials and faster approvals to improve your cash flow

We’re not just a billing company—we’re your partner in building a leaner, more profitable practice.

Who This Works Best For

We support all specialties, but prior authorization services are especially beneficial for:

  • Primary Care & Internal Medicine

  • Mental Health Practices

  • Physical Therapy & Rehab

  • Dermatology

  • Cardiology

  • Pain Management Clinics

If you’re billing insurance, you’re likely dealing with PAs—and that’s where we come in.

Let’s Take This Off Your Plate

You didn’t go into medicine to spend your days on hold with insurance companies. And your staff’s time is far too valuable to waste chasing down approvals.

Let AHR take care of your prior authorizations—so you can get back to focusing on your patients.

Call us at 415.857.2854 or send us a message [here].
Let’s talk about how we can streamline your billing and get you paid faster.

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